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Jimmy Kimmel adds Oprah to post-Oscar special

Oprah Winfrey is the latest celebrity to join Jimmy Kimmel’s seventh post-Oscar special, ABC announced Thursday.

Miss Winfrey is making a rare late-night appearance at a time when her year-old cable channel, OWN, is trying to attract viewers after a rocky start.

Billy Crystal, who is hosting the Oscar ceremony, will help kick off “Jimmy Kimmel Live: After the Academy Awards.” Nominees Meryl Streep, George Clooney and Martin Scorsese will be among the stars on hand. A performance by Coldplay will wrap up the show.

Mr. Kimmel’s Oscar-night special has yielded comedy pieces that became online sensations, including one featuring Sarah Silverman and Matt Damon and “Handsome Men's Club” featuring Matthew McConaughey and Sting.

The Oscars will air live from Hollywood at 8:30 p.m. Feb. 26, with Mr. Kimmel’s show to follow the awards and local newscasts.

‘Colbert Report’ tapings canceled abruptly

“The Colbert Report” has caused quite a stir among fans and those unlucky enough to have had tickets for tapings on Wednesday and Thursday.

Both shows were canceled at the last minute with ticket holders invited to reapply for a future taping. In fact, fans already were lining up at the show’s Manhattan studio — and some were even in their seats — when Comedy Central sent an email Wednesday alerting ticket holders to the cancellation.

Stephen Colbert has been quiet on Twitter since Wednesday afternoon when the show tweeted a joke about the contraception battle between President Obama and Republicans.

Comedy Central would only say the tapings were canceled due to “unforeseen circumstances.” There is no indication that Mr. Colbert’s absence is caused by a dispute with the network and sources there told the Hollywood Reporter that “The Colbert Report” will be back up and running soon.

Larry King, CNN ending relationship

CNN and longtime talk show host Larry King are cutting ties 14 months after his prime-time series ended.

Mr. King did four specials for CNN within the past year, but CNN said in a statement on Wednesday the network and Mr. King have mutually agreed to end the specials.

The 78-year-old Mr. King said he has “nothing but respect for CNN.” He said he’s “looking forward to all the wonderful business opportunities” to which he’ll now dedicate his time.

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